Archive · 22 Jan 2026
Report Reveals 4 Million Premature Deaths from Nuclear Testing
A new report says that nuclear weapons testing from 1945 to 2017 has caused at least 4 million people to die earlier than they should have.
This happened because of diseases like cancer, which were caused by the radiation from the tests.
Nine countries have nuclear weapons, and the tests were done in 15 different countries.
The report says that the effects of these tests are still being felt today, and many people are still getting sick because of them.
The report also says that every person alive today has some radiation from these tests in their bones.
Experts are worried because the risks from this radiation are much greater than we thought before.
They hope that this report will help stop more nuclear testing in the future.
At least 4 million premature deaths caused by nuclear weapons testing from 1945 to 2017.
Nine countries currently possess nuclear weapons, with test sites in 15 countries.
The NPA report highlights long-lasting and far-reaching damage to human health and ecosystems.
Every person alive today carries radioactive isotopes from atmospheric testing in their bones.
The report projects at least 2 million additional cancer deaths over time due to atmospheric tests up to 1980.
- Who
- Global population, especially communities near test sites
- What
- At least 4 million premature deaths from cancer and other diseases due to nuclear weapons testing
- When
- Between 1945 and 2017
- Where
- Worldwide, with test sites in 15 countries
- Why
- Due to radiation exposure from nuclear weapons testing
- Premature Deaths
- At least 4 million
- Countries with Nuclear Weapons
- 9
- Countries with Test Sites
- 15
- Report Author
- Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA)
- Report Length
- 300+ pages
- Report Co-Author
- Magdalena Stawkowski
- Report Co-Author
- Tilman Ruff